earlier this week, our newspapers were full of the tragic story of clare shelswell, the little girl who was killed by her stepfather, peter wilson. on june 29, the vancouver sun devoted half of page 1 and 2 to it. Read More
family life – a fantasy
she opens the door. “laura hapley?” “yes …. ?” “and wally hapley?” “yes. and you are … ?” he is 6’6″, broad shouldered, dressed in thick leather from boots to gloves. “could i speak to mr. hapley, as well, please?” Read More
september 11 – the happiest day of my life
“what was the happiest day of your life?” this question comes up, sometimes. until seven years ago, it was “september 11, 1973.” that was the day my oldest child was born. it was the least pleasant of my three births, Read More
bullying stops here!
today is international stand up to bullying day. students and lots of other people all across canada and the world wear pink to mark the day. last year, two students in nova scotia (canada’s east coast) donned and distributed pink Read More
mental illness and violence
most people have little reason to fear violence from people with mental illness, even in its most severe forms. historically, in the 1950s, mental illness carried great social stigma, especially linked with fear of unpredictable and violent behaviour. while there Read More